Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly rejected the Afghan Taliban’s “misleading and malicious” statements, saying that Pakistan will continue its decisive measures against terrorism and cross-border threats despite baseless claims from Kabul.
In a statement issued on his official X account, Khawaja Asif said the Afghan Taliban’s false claims would not alter the ground realities. He emphasized that Pakistan’s national security policies were shaped through consensus and implemented with complete harmony among the nation, political leadership, and armed forces.
He said there exists a “comprehensive strategy” concerning Afghanistan, reflecting unity on how to deal with cross-border terrorism and regional peace.
The Defense Minister reaffirmed that the Pakistani nation, including its political and military leadership, was “united and in complete harmony” on national security matters.
He added that the people of Pakistan—particularly those living in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—are well aware of Indian-sponsored terrorism being facilitated under the Afghan Taliban’s patronage.
“There is no ambiguity about it,” Asif asserted, calling the Afghan regime’s denials an attempt to distort facts.
Criticism of Afghan Taliban’s internal failures
Khawaja Asif accused the Afghan Taliban of being an “unrepresentative regime” plagued by deep internal factionalism. He said the group continues to oppress women, children, minorities, and other Afghan ethnicities, while denying them fundamental rights such as education, expression, and representation.
He added that despite four years in power, the Taliban have failed to deliver on their promises to the international community. “To conceal their internal divisions, unrest, and failure of governance, they are relying on rhetoric, narrative creation, and serving as proxies of external elements,” he said.
Firm policy on counterterrorism
Reiterating Islamabad’s stance, the Defense Minister said Pakistan’s Afghan policy remains focused on its national interest, regional peace, and stability. He underlined that Pakistan will “continue to take decisive steps to protect its citizens and eliminate cross-border terrorism.”
“The foundation of trust can only be established through practical steps,” he remarked, dismissing the Afghan Taliban’s statements as an effort to distract from their domestic challenges.
He also highlighted that Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism, particularly the “perverted ideology of Khawarij,” remains unwavering and aligned with regional stability goals.
